Comparison of the Effectiveness of Parenting Skills Training and Emotion Regulation Training on Reducing Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder in Children of Mothers Affected by Domestic Violence in Gorgan

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of parenting skills training and emotion regulation training in reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder in children of mothers affected by domestic violence. A randomized controlled trial design was employed with three parallel groups: parenting skills training, emotion regulation training, and a no-treatment control group. Participants were 45 mother–child dyads recruited from community health centers and welfare organizations in Gorgan. Children were aged 8–12 years and exhibited clinically significant symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to the three groups (n = 15 per group). The intervention groups attended eight weekly 90-minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Outcomes were measured at pretest, posttest, and a five-month follow-up using the Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised (SASC-R). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests in SPSS-27. The results indicated a significant main effect of time, F(2,84) = 126.47, p < .001, η² = .76, a significant main effect of group, F(2,42) = 41.22, p < .001, η² = .66, and a significant time-by-group interaction, F(4,84) = 58.39, p < .001, η² = .74. Post-hoc analyses showed that both parenting skills training (pre–post: p < .001; pre–follow-up: p < .001) and emotion regulation training (pre–post: p < .001; pre–follow-up: p < .001) groups had significantly lower social anxiety scores at posttest and follow-up compared to the control group (p < .001). There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups at posttest or follow-up (p > .38). Both parenting skills training and emotion regulation training were effective in significantly reducing and maintaining reductions in social anxiety symptoms among children exposed to domestic violence, highlighting their value as targeted interventions for this high-risk population.